3 John

3 John

What is the theme of 3 John?
In one word : Testimony
For us to walk in Truth and also love in Truth. Being faithful to what we know(in truth). Imitating good not evil.

How can we as believers take what John says and apply it to our everyday lives? This is the question I ask myself every time I read from the Word.
Ladies,
This book is small but what a conclusion to the 1,2 and 3 John. Here is one question for you to consider, “ What is your testimony before others?” John knew Gaius and knew probably all that he struggled with. He knew his conversion experience. Walked with him for a time and John was his spiritual mentor as well. John was well pleased that Gaius was walking in Truth and that others were able to see this by the way he loved others in truth.

I think often times as believers we forget what kind of impact we can have on people around us, on young believers, and on those who desire to do as we do. In this we must realize that we have a responsibility to begin acting like mature believers and realize that what we do and say does matter. How we treat others is a direct reflection of who’s we are. My husband and I tell our kids all the time that they have a responsibility to behave themselves and to not get into trouble because they are our children and what they do and how they act has a direct impact on us. Not to mention as a believer and how greater an impact it has on their testimony in the eyes of others.

I use to be of the opinion that it doesn’t really matter what others think because it really isn’t any body else’s job to worry about how I am acting or what I’m doing. I obviously didn’t understand that because of who’s I am I have a responsibility to represent my Father in heaven and to not be a poor example to those, looking to imitate me.

Paul wrote : “imitate me as I imitate the Father” Paul understood this line and he said, “ I will be all things to all people so that some might be saved”.
How much are we willing to do for the sake of those around us?

John spoke to Gaius about these things and they weren’t small matters. It was important to John to speak to Gaius about these things. To share what he had heard from other brothers, to speak about his faithfulness. John realized that Gaius understood what it meant to walk in truth and love in truth. He was however concerned how others were acting and what kind of impact that might have on his friend and brother in Christ.

It is important I believe as Christians to realize what our life represents and how we treat other brothers and sisters.

Take some time today to just reflect on this passage and consider John’s final word to Gaius.

* “Beloved do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.” Vs 11

Here are some questions to help you think about how you might apply this word.

What is your testimony before others?
Are you known for your love of others or for your love of yourself?
Do you share what you have with others?
Do you listen to others? Do you have to be first?
According to what John says in this epistle, what does the way you live have to do with your relationship to God?
Are you quick to love, to exhort, and to stand for truth? What do you need to do?

Lord, help us to realize our lives are a living testimony to others. I pray that that I would begin to realize that others are watching and following my example even if I don’t know it. Lord, this week, use us to reach the lost. Use us to build up and edify one another. Help us to speak truth into one anothers lives and to be godly examples of walking in Truth and loving in Truth.
It is in your name I pray
The Name of Jesus
Amen…………